Oriire abduction: Oyo reassures of safe rescue of abductees

The Oyo State Government has reassured the general public that security agencies were working tirelessly to secure the safe rescue of the children and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area, LGA, on May 15.

A statement posted on the official X handle of the state government on Monday, said that it remained fully committed to ensuring the victims safe return to their families.

The government also expressed solidarity with the families of the abducted pupils and teachers, acknowledging the emotional pain and uncertainty they have endured since the incident.

According to the government, it will continue to work closely with security agencies currently leading rescue operations to ensure the victims are freed and those behind the abduction are brought to justice.

“Our thoughts are with their families in these trying times. We will continue to collaborate with the security agencies who are actively working to rescue the victims and bring the perpetrators to justice.”

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that some school children and teachers of Baptist Nursery/Primary School, Yawota; L. A. Primary School, Esiele and Community Grammar School, Esiele, near Ogbomoso, were abducted by armed bandits.

 The hostages were reportedly marched into the dense forest inside the Old Oyo National Park, which borders 10 local government areas of the state and Kwara, Kogi as well as Niger States.

One of the seven teachers abducted by the bandits was later killed in captivity, bringing to two the number of fatalities recorded from the incident as a motorcyclist was killed during the attack.

Security agencies including the army, police, DSS, Amotekun corps, and local hunters have deployed personnel to the park to ensure the safe release of the abductees.

Even as those held have spent over 30 days in the hands of their captors, the Oyo State government and the Federal government have assured that no efforts would be spared to secure the release of those abducted.